Performance Management Consultant (Analyst III)

Job Description and Duties Limited-Term Appointment: This position is being filled as a nine-month limited-term appointment. The appointment may be extended, become permanent, or end at any time, based on operational needs. Position is pending budget approval. Anticipated Interview Dates: We anticipate holding in-person interviews beginning the week of October 12, 2026. We look forward to meeting with you! Why join CalHR? The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) was named a 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner for strengths development, a national recognition of organizations that build cultures helping people do their best work. This honor reflects our department-wide investment in a strengths-based workplace that supports growth, leadership and a stronger employee experience. Join CalHR to work in an environment that prioritizes professional development and public service. The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is the pillar of human resources management for all state employees. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 400 CalHR team members who serve as trusted advisors to our strategic partners and the public. If you are interested in providing exceptional human resource services and guidance, CalHR is the place for you. By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate professionals. Get to know us more here! CalHR employees are excluded from bargaining and are eligible to receive enhanced benefits, such as CoBen benefit allowance, employer paid life insurance, additional vacation/annual leave, and are not subject to State Disability Insurance payroll withholding. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today! About this Role Are you a skilled HR professional who thrives on solving complex employee performance challenges? CalHR’s Human Resources Office is seeking a collaborative and solutions-oriented Performance Management Consultant to advise leaders, navigate sensitive personnel matters, and develop fair, practical, and well-supported recommendations. If you are ready to strengthen accountability and help build a high-performing public-sector workforce, we encourage you to apply. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements Statement of Qualifications All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The SOQ must include the applicant’s name in the upper-right corner and address the question below. Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. The SOQ must be limited to a maximum of two (2) pages, single-spaced, using twelve-point Arial font. Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Cover letters, resumes, or other materials will not be accepted in place of the SOQ. Do not include confidential or personally identifying employee information in your response. SOQ Question Describe a complex and sensitive employee performance, conduct, attendance, or disciplinary matter that you were responsible for analyzing and addressing. In your response: • Explain the situation and your specific role and responsibilities. • Describe the laws, rules, policies, collective bargaining provisions, procedures, documentation, or other information you researched and analyzed. • Identify the key risks, competing considerations, and alternatives you evaluated. • Explain the recommendation or guidance you developed, including how you ensured it was fair, consistent, and supportable. • Describe how you communicated your analysis, collaborated with management or other partners, and addressed questions or differing perspectives. • Explain the outcome, what you learned, and what you would do differently in the future. Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate: This position has a Conflict-of-Interest designation and requires disclosure of economic interests (Form 700). The incumbent is expected to demonstrate professional and ethical conduct that is reflective of CalHR's mission, vision, and core values. CalHR employees are expected to model and support CalHR Core Values. The desirable qualifications include: • Knowledge of and experience applying human resources laws, rules, regulations, collective bargaining provisions, policies, and practices related to performance management and progressive discipline. • Demonstrated ability to independently research and analyze complex issues, distinguish facts from assumptions, evaluate alternatives and risk, and prepare well-supported recommendations. • Ability to gain the confidence of supervisors, managers, executives, and professional partners while providing objective and sometimes difficult advice. • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing sensitive personnel documents, analytical summaries, procedures, guidance, and training materials. • Ability to manage multiple complex assignments, establish priorities, meet time-sensitive deadlines, and maintain accurate case documentation with limited oversight. • Sound judgment, discretion, emotional intelligence, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and remain impartial in sensitive or contentious matters. • Ability to collaborate across organizational boundaries, facilitate productive discussions, and build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. • Experience identifying operational risks and leading or supporting process improvements, compliance activities, audits, or organizational change.